MVAA's fourth Women Veterans Conference united more than 180 veterans, next conference date announced

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) hosted the fourth Women Veterans Conference from Apr. 9 - 11, 2026, in Grand Rapids. More than 180 women from across the state came together for a weekend dedicated to service, camaraderie and empowerment.

"The energy in the room was something you could feel the moment you walked in - there was so much joy, connection and support," said Erika Hoover, MVAA mental health and suicide prevention manager. "Women veterans showed up not just to learn, but to take care of themselves and each other. Creating a space where they can feel safe, seen and supported while also growing together, that's what this conference is all about."

Attendees enjoyed a variety of programming including keynote addresses, wellness and recreational activities and more than 40 vendors offering resources and services to help women veterans thrive in all facets of their lives. The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund and the MVAA's Veteran Resource Service Center (1-800-MICH-VET) were there to inform and connect women veterans to the benefits and resources they earned for their service.

This event was made possible by the generous support of the following sponsors:

Platinum Level: American Legion Department of Michigan

Gold Level: Daughters of the American Revolution Michigan, Uplift Creative Center and Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement and Potential

Silver Level: Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Michigan, Peckham Inc., Helmets to Hardhats, Founders Brewing Co., Warriors and Caregivers United and Dr. Sylvia Rafels

Thank you to State Representative Julie M. Rogers, American Legion Auxiliary Department of Michigan and members of the Michigan Women's Commission, West Michigan Veterans Coalition and Michigan Women Veterans Coalition for their contributions.

The fifth Women Veterans Conference will be Oct. 15 - 17, 2026, in Bay City. Registration will open in the summer.

Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency - The MVAA is the central coordinating agency, providing support, care advocacy and service to veterans and their families. As a state agency, MVAA works to identify and break down barriers veterans face in employment, education, health care and quality of life, to make Michigan a great place for veterans and their families to call home. More information about MVAA is available at Michigan.gov/MVAA or by reading our FY25 Annual Report.